Folding chair



c. F. BENJAMgN FOLDING CHAIR Filed Feb. l, 1959 INVENTOR ATTO R N EYSPOct. 28, 1941.

Patented Oct. 28, 1941 UNITEDk STATES LPATENT; QOFFICE y n .2,260,735l

FOLDING CHAIR Clarence F. Benjamin; Devon, Conn; 1 Application February1, 193i), SerialNo. 253,975 f Y 9 claims. (ol. 155-4117) This inventionrelates to new anduseful improvements in folding chairs, and hasparticular relation to the porch, beach or lawn type of folding chainAniobject of the invention is to provide a chair of the` type indicatedwhichis readily adjustable to the comfort of the user while the latterremains seated in the chair. I

,Anotherv object is to provide a chair of .the` character mentionedwhichis easy to get into and out of, and which provides la Acomfortableseat portiontogether with leg rests which while constantly available foruse do not interfere with a user entering or leaving the chair, andywhich are so kconstructed and arranged thattheymay or may not vbe usedVas desired without theuser being required, to rise from the chair tochange from use of the vchair without using these rests, orto employthese rests as desired.

A further object is to provide a folding-chair of light weight andsturdy construction.' including a'minimum of parts, and which may bereadily and quickly-opened for use and folded to occupy a minimum ofspace for storage or transportation. Y y

,Other objects and advantages will becomey apparent from a considerationof the following'-detailed; description taken in connectionl with theaccompanying drawing wherein satisfactory embodiments o f the inventionare shown. However,I

it isk to be understood-that the invention .isfnot limitedto the detailsdisclosed butlincludes all such vvariations and modifications y as fallwithin the scope of' the invention. r ..1

Inthe drawing: y I i Fig. lis aside elevational view of ythe chainof theinvention open foruse; f) "Fig, 2 is a top plan View ofthe chairasshown;

in iFig. 1 butwitha portion of thecanvas seat omitted i jFig. 3 .is aAsideY elevational lview showinggthe as along the line 'I--T of Fig. 6;f

Fig. 8 is an elevational View taken as looking from the left in Fig. 6;y

Fig.,9'is a view similar to Fig. 1 but on-a smallv 'erscale and showinga modification; j; Y,

Fig. 10Ais a detail plan .view showing a portion ofthe chair of,.1g.9;

Fig.v 11 is' a detail View of a portion ofthe con# struction of Figs. v9and l0; and 'l ig. 12 is a View looking from the right of Fig.

f Referringin detail to the'dr'awing and yat rst i ber I3"ekten' dingbetween and connected with such legs inY a manner lto be described. LegframeLBcomprisesa pair'of'legs I 4 and I5 each provided with alongitudinally extending slot I5 and with areenforcement yI'I beyond thelower end of such slot vto preevntsplitting of the leg.

,The front andrear leg'frames A and B incline toward onefanother', andthe upper ends of the legs I I andf'IZ are pivotally connected Withtheupper ends A,of the legs I4 vand I5 respectively by any suitable' meanssuch 'for example as a nut and bolt I8. .Thus it will be seen thatthe'leg frames are connected for relative folding move- Back` frame v C`comprises sidev framel members I9 and l20 havingpivotal connection. attheir lowerends on a `connecting means orbarf 2| eX- tendingtransversely of the chair. The upper ends kof the ',members AI9 and 20are'connected by a braoe"A piece 22 extending between and throughfthemembers.'y Strengthening blocks r23 areshown secured against theinner-sides of the upper end.,I C'yrticins' of the lmembers vI`9'rand 20as by nut and bolt vmeans 2 4and extendA along these members" asufficient distancev to givea long enoughf bearing'to secure theproperbracing effect. kIf preferred these blocks may be located on theoutersides-of members I9 land 20. In this case the bar=22 ismadefsui'liciently longer to extend through theseblocks With theseblocks on the outersides ofv thesid'e members more space is provided formounting a shade on the bar 22 if one is` desiredaltis noted that theend p0rtionsofthe members" I9 and 2D are split asat 25 andtheouter-'ends of the split portions connected by nutland bolt means 26 sothey can'be elongatedmembers `2I and28 the inner end of l each ofWhichis securedto the connecting means tails of such connection areshown in Figs. 4 and 5. In their upper faces toward their inner ends themembers 21 and 28 are provided with transversely extending grooves 30 toreceive the under half of the bar 2|. Disposed over the receivedportions of such bar are blocks 3| having grooves 32 in their undersides to receive the upper portions of the said bar. Bolts 33 passthrough the` members 21 and 28 at each side of the groove 30 therein andthrough the blocks 3|, and on tight? ening of the nuts 34 on said boltsthe blocks ,will be drawn against the bar 2| and securely clamp itagainst turning movement relative to the members 21 and 28.

The members 21 and 28 pass over the brace I3 adjacent the ends of thelatter'and .hinges 35 are secured to the under sides of the said membersand to the brace. Thus the members are connected with the brace but mayhave folding movements relative thereto.

Extensions of the means 2|, which extensionsA may be for example in theform of lag screws 36, pass through the slots I6 in the legs of theframe B, and while theend portions of the means might be passed throughthe slots lag screws may be used since they may be of relatively smalldiameter whereby the slots may be kept narrow. The lag screws aremovable along the slots whereby the back may be adjusted, and also topermit of the folding of the chair as will appear. i

An underseat 31 in the form of a piece of canvas or other exiblematerial is secured at its forward end to thebrace I3 as by tacks or thelike, v

the chair as by the buckles 43 secured to the legs of the frame A. Thestraps may be adjusted through the buckles to adjust the angle ofinclination of the back frame C, and such adjustments may be made whilethe person making the adjustment is seated in the chair.

The two seats or the double seat provided by the invention addsmaterially to the comfort of the chairsince with this construction theseat is straighter and maintained in a more natural and comfortableposition and does not sag as it would with a single seat. The foot rests29 being spaced apart a woman may walk between them to sit in the chairwithout the foot rests interfering with her skirt. A person using thechair does not need to use the foot rests and the latter are not in theway while the chair is in use with the feet resting on the floor orwhile a person is entering ner. The said underseat may be kept to anydesired degree of tautness by adjustment of the means 2|. Thus to adjustthe under seat the means 2| is released by backing off the nuts 34 andthereafter the bar is turned about its longitudinal axis to wrap aportion of the material of the seat about or unwrap it from the bar an'dthen the nuts 34 are again tightened to hold the bar against turningmovement.

The chair includes a seat and back formed by a length of canvas or otherflexible material 38 secured at its forward end to the brace `i3 andextending over the underseat 31 and upwardly of the back frame C. Theother or upper end of the material 38 is secured to the cross piece orbar 22 in any suitable manner. Thus the material 38 providesthechairwith a seat portion 39 and a back portion 40. tightened by loosening thenuts of the nut and bolt means 26 then turning the piece 22 vabout itslongitudinal axis to wind any desired portion of the material 38thereon. It may be loosened by turning., in the opposite direction tounwind it from the bar. Thereafter the nuts on means 26 are tightened tohold the cross piece 22 'against turning, movement relative to the frameC.

Leather, canvas orother flexible straps 4| provide armrests at therespective sides of the chair. The inner ends ofthese straps are securedto the intermediate portions of themembers I9 and 20 of the frame C asby means of the clevis 42 and the outer or forward ends of the strapsare adjustably secured to thesupporting structure of This seat andback'may'bev or leaving the chair. The feet and legs may be moved fromthe rests tothe floor or vice versa to change position without the userbeing required to leave the chair to fold or adjust the rests.

Figs. 6, 7 and 8 show the details ofthe connectionbetween the brace I3and the front legs II and I2 of the chair. In such gures it will benoted that the ends of the brace are reduced providing tongues 44entering recesses in the inner sides of the legs whereby the brace andlegs are mortised together. In addition bolts 45 are passed through the`legs from the outer sides thereof'and enter the end portions of thebrace. Inwardly of'its ends the brace is provided with openings 46permitting of the mounting of nuts 41 on the inner ends of the bolts. Ontightening of the nuts41 the legs II and I2 and the brace I3 are'drawntightly together providing aV very rigid structure.

The angle of inclination of the foot rests 29 and back C may be'changedby adjusting the relative angle of legs II and I4 by moving the bar 2|and members 36 to different positions along the slots I6. Afteradjustment the weight of the user and engagement of the lower ends ofthe legs on the floor or ground will retain theml in adjustedpositions.I These adjustments can be made while the user is sitting inthe chair. One can do'this by moving his body forward reachingrearwardly with the hands and pulling the rear legs I4 forward thuscausing the rod 2| to slide down in slots I6 and raising the leg rests29.

Figs. 9 and 10 show a slightly modified construction wherein the chairis generally designated 50 and includes a front leg frame A', a backframe C and a foot rest frame D all of the construction of the frames A,C and D previously described. The rear'leg frame B of the chair 5I)includes a brace 5I extending between and connecting the rear legs 52and 53 which it is noted are not slotted as are lthe legs I4 and I5ofthe form iirst described. The brace'5l is connected to the legs 52 and53 inthe manner shown in Figs. 6, '1 and 8.

A'connecting means or bar 54 extends transversely of the chair 50 andreplaces the connecting means 2| of the chair I0. The rear end of thefoot rest frame D is connected to the means 54- through the clampingmeans including the blocks 3| and the bolts 33'and nuts 34 while thelower end of the back frame C is pivotally connectedwith the saidmeans.` Means 54 is of such length as to project beyond the sides of thelegs 52 and 53 and in fact when the chair is set up for use has its endportions 58 resting on the upper side of such legsl as shown. These endportions may be formed with a groovev .to re'- ceivea split spring ring60 so it projects beyond theV 'surfaceof bar 54 just outsidethe wsidemembers I9 as shown v.in Figs. 10, 11 and '12 to hold themfrom Vslidingofi the ends of the bar. f

Theends of the brace 5I are .mortised into the legs 52 and 53 and thelegs and brace areclamped together by the nut andboltjmeans 55fand456.'From Fig; 10 it will be clear that the .bolts 55 pass through the legsfrom the outer sides there,- of and that the brace 5I is providedadjacent its ends with openings 51 whereby the nuts-may be applied tothe bolts after which on tightening of the nuts on the bolts the braceandl legs are drawn tightly together providing a rigid'strucl ture. Thusit will be seen with the exceptions of the use of the brace 5I and theextension of the connecting means 54 and the disposing ofthe same on theupperedges of the legs 52 and 53 the construction of the chair of Figs.9 and l0 is the'sameas that of Figs. 1 through 8.

The angle of inclination of the leg rests and back in this chair canalso be adjusted asin the rst form by moving the end portions 58 of bar54 to different positions along the top of the legs 52. The weight ofthe user and engagement of the vends of the legs on the iioor or groundretains them in adjusted positions. These adjustments can be made Whilethe user is sitting in the chair. v Y

The chairs fold much alike. In folding chair I the leg frames A and Bare swungY toward one another about the pivoting means I8 and theconnecting meansZI moves'downwardly, being guided by the slots I6.During this time the frame D is rocking on its hinges 35 and its innerend together with the lower end of the back frame C is moving with the'connectingmeans 2|. Thus the leg framesy fold one partl'ywithin theother whilethe back frame C folds partly into the rear leg frame and thefoot restmemibers are partly Within the leg `frames, but being ofgreater length 'projects beyond their forward ends.

In folding chair 5I) the action is about the same except that movementof the connecting means 54 is not controlled by slots. The flexiblematerials lformingv the double'seat and back inthe disclosedconstructions will not interfere with the yfolding ofthe chairs, and thesame is true with respect to the iiexible straps 4I comprising arm restsand means for adjusting theV relation between the seat and back. v

The chairs disclosed are fully braced laterally since the chair Ill hascross braces I3,v 2| and 22 while the chair 5i! has thecross braces I3and 22, and further has the brace 5I. The chairs are easily foldedand'unfolded'are rigid and Willwithstand hard usage, are veasy to enteran'dto leave, and the backand seatmay be adjusted to the convenience ofthe userl while the latter is seated in the chair. Such adjustment takesplace by tightening or loosening of the strap-like arm rests 4I. Also,the inclination of the foot rests may be Varied as described.

Having thus set forth the nature of my invention, wh-at I claim is:

1. In a folding chair, front and rear leg frames each comprising a pairof leg members, said frames inclining toward one another, meanspivotally connecting the upper ends of the rear leg members to the upperends of the front leg members, a rigid brace connecting said front legmembers intermediate their ends, foot rest members and a back frame,means comprising a rear cross bracepivotally connecting thelower end ofthe back rest `frame with the rear'ends of the foot `rest members andsupported on said rear. leg members, a flexible underseat connected atits respective lends with the last mentioned means and said rigid brace,meanshingedly connecting intermediate portions of the foot rest memberswith said rigid brace, an'upper brace connecting the upper portions ofthe back rest frame members, a flexible seat and back means located overvthe underseat and connected at its respective ends to said rigid andupper braces, said rear brace being rotatable relative tosaid footrestmembers to adjust the length ofthe underseat, means for 'clamping therear brace in adjusted position, and side arm portions connecting theback frame with said pivotally connected leg frames. v

2. In a folding chair, a supporting structure comprising pivotallyconnected yfront and rrear legs, a rigid 'brace extending between andconnected with said front legs, foot rest members, a back frame, meanscomprising a rear cross brace pivotally connecting'the rear ends of thefoot rest members With the lower end `of the back frame and movablysupported onsaid rear legs, said foot rest members projecting forwardlyand having'their intermediate portions resting on and hinged to saidrigid brace, adjustable arm rests connected With said back framev andsaid'supporting structure, and a seat and back for'said chair comprisinga vflexible member connected at its respective ends with said rigidbrace and said back frame, -a flexible underseat connecting the rigidand rear braces, said rear brace being rotatable relative to the footrest members'to adjust the length ofy the underseat, and means forlclamping-this brace in Aadjusted positions. f

3. In `afvfolding chair, a supporting structure comprising front andrear legs inclined in opposite directions and pivotally connected attheir upper ends, a rigidbrace extending between said front legs, saidbracecomprising a member having end *portions of' considerably greaterwidth than thickness, means rigidly connecting thej ends .of said braceto the front legs and with the width of the brace extendinglongitudinally along said legs, foot rest members, a back frame, meanspivotally connecting the rear ends of the 'foot rest members with thelower end of the back .frame and supported on saidrear legs, said`footrest members projecting forwardly and vhaving their intermediateportions resting on and hinged to said rigid brace, -adjustable eXiblearm rests connected with said back frame and said 4supporting structureadjacent the pivotal connection lbetween the legs, a seat and'backy forsaid chair comprising a flexible'member connected vat its p respectiveends with said brace and saidv back frame, and said foot rest membersbeyond said rigid brace comprising a pair of spaced members .betweenwhich a user may enter to sit in the chair.

4. In a folding chair, a supporting structure comprising pivotallyconnected front and rear legs, a rigid brace extending between andconnected with saidfront legs, foot rest members, a back frame, meanspivotally connecting the rear ends of the foot rest members with thelower end of the back frame and vmovably supported on said rear legs,said foot rest members projecting forwardly and having theirintermediate portions hinged to said rigid brace, adjustable meansconnecting the back frame with said supporting structure, a seat andback for said chair comprising a flexible member connected at itsrespectiveends'with said brace and said back frame', a flexibleunderseat connected at its forward end with said brace and at its rearend with said means connecting the back and foot rest members, saidylast mentioned means being turnable relative to said members to adjustthe tension of the material of said underseat, and means for securingsaid connecting means against casual turning movement.

5. In a folding chair, a supporting structure comprising pivotallyconnected front and rear legs, a rigid brace extending between andconnected with said front legs, foot rest members, a back frame, meanspivotally connecting the rear ends of the foot rest members with thelower end of the back frame and movably supported on said rear legs,said foot rest members projecting forwardly and having theirintermediate portions hinged to said brace, adjustable arm rest meansconnecting the back frame with said supporting structure, a seat andback for such chair comprising a flexible member connected at itsrespective ends with said brace and said back frame, a flexibleunderseat connected at its forward end with said brace and at its rearend with said means connecting the back and foot rest members, said lastmentioned means being turnable relative to said members to adjust thetension of the material of said underseat, and means on at least one ofsaid foot rest members and embracing said connecting means andadjustable to tightly clamp the same to secure it in an adjustedposition 6. In a folding chair, a supporting structure includingoppositely inclined front and rear legs, means pivotally connecting saidfront and rear legs at their upper ends for relative folding movements,a back frame resting at its lower end on said rear legs and including alower cross member, a rigid brace connecting said front legs, a seat andback connected at its respective ends with said brace and said backframe, side members hinged to the brace and pivotally connected to thelower end of the back frame, flexible strap and buckle means at eachside of said chair and connecting an intermediate portion of the backframe with said supporting structure for adjustment of the back framerelative to such structure, and a flexible under-seat connected at itsforward end with said brace and at its rear end with said cross member,and said cross member being turnable relative to the side members toadjust the tension of the material of said underseat.

7. In a folding chair, a supporting structure including front and rearlegs, means connecting said front and rear legs for relative foldingmovements, a back frame resting at its lower end on said rear legs, abrace connecting said front legs, side members hinged to the brace andpivotally connected to the lower end of the back frame,

said back frame comprising side members and a vconnecting pieceextending between said side lmembers adjacent each of their ends, aflexible seat and back Iconnected at itsvrespective ends with said braceand said connecting piece at the outer end of the frame, said connectingpiece being turnable relative to the remainder of the back frame toadjust the length of said flexible seat and back, means to secure saidconnecting piece against turning movement after adjustment, and aflexible under-seat connected at its forward end with said brace and atits rear end with the connecting piece at the lower end of the frame,said latter connecting piece being turnable to adjust the tension of thematerial of said under-seat.

8. In a folding chair, a supporting structure comprising front and rearlegs and means connecting said legs for relative folding movements, arigid brace means extending between said front legs, said bracecomprising a member having end portions of considerably greater widththan thickness, means rigidly connecting the ends of said brace to thefront legs and with the width of the brace extending longitudinallyalong said legs, foot rest members, a back frame, means pivotallyconnecting the rear end of said foot rest members with the lower end ofthe back frame and supported on said rear legs, said foot rest membersprojecting forwardly and having their intermediate portions resting onsaid rigid brace, means hinging said intermediate portion to said brace,adjustable arm rest means connected with said back frame and saidsupporting structure, and a seat and back for said chair comprising aflexible member connected at its respective ends with said brace andsaid back frame.

9. In a folding chair, a supporting structure comprising front and rearlegs inclining toward one another and pivotally connected at their upperends, a rigid brace means extending between said front legs, said bracecomprising a member having end portions of considerably greater widththan thickness, means rigidly connecting the ends of said brace to thefront legs and with the width of the brace extending longitudinallyalong said legs, a similar rigid brace extending between and connectingsaid rear legs, foot rest members, a back frame, means connecting therear end of foot rest members with the lower end of said back frame andresting on the upper edges of said inclined rear legs, said foot restmembers projecting forwardly and having their intermediate portionshinged to said first named rigid brace, flexible arm rests connectingthe back frame and the upper ends of the legs, and a seat and backcomprising a flexible member connected at its respective ends with saidbrace connecting said CLARENCE F. BENJAMIN.

